A Relational-Neurobiological Approach
Couples in distress often get caught up in cycles of emotional reactivity, each blaming the other and seeing self as victim—a linear view. This lecture explores ways to identify and diagram the couple’s dance using the Vulnerability Cycle Diagram. The therapist helps the couple understand the circular nature of their impasse, and the ways in which both are victims of and the (inadvertent) co-creators of the cycle. We will explore ways to identify and work with each partner’s vulnerabilities and survival strategies, often rooted in the family of origin, and situated within the larger sociocultural context.
The discussion will be informed by the latest research from interpersonal neurobiology, including the dynamics of emotion dysregulation, techniques for emotion regulation, and the tension between habits and change. Dr. Fishbane’s approach enhances partners’ relational empowerment, including self-regulation, choice, living according to one’s higher goals and values, and reaching for one’s “best self.”
https://nefesh.org/workshops/FromReactivity2/viewFREE WEBINAR
From Reactivity to Empowerment in Couple Therapy:
A Relational-Neurobiological Approach
Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 10:00 AM EST - 1:00 PM EST
Presenter: Mona D. Fishbane, Ph.D.
Course Length: 3 Hours
Learning Objectives:
- Identify and diagram the couple vulnerability cycle
- Identify and work with the neurobiology of couple reactivity
- Utilize interventions for change based on couple research and interpersonal neurobiology
This workshop Offers 3 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits
Couples in distress often get caught up in cycles of emotional reactivity, each blaming the other and seeing self as victim—a linear view. This lecture explores ways to identify and diagram the couple’s dance using the Vulnerability Cycle Diagram. The therapist helps the couple understand the circular nature of their impasse, and the ways in which both are victims of and the (inadvertent) co-creators of the cycle. We will explore ways to identify and work with each partner’s vulnerabilities and survival strategies, often rooted in the family of origin, and situated within the larger sociocultural context.
The discussion will be informed by the latest research from interpersonal neurobiology, including the dynamics of emotion dysregulation, techniques for emotion regulation, and the tension between habits and change. Dr. Fishbane’s approach enhances partners’ relational empowerment, including self-regulation, choice, living according to one’s higher goals and values, and reaching for one’s “best self.”
Learning Objectives:
- Identify and diagram the couple vulnerability cycle
- Identify and work with the neurobiology of couple reactivity
- Utilize interventions for change based on couple research and interpersonal neurobiology
Agenda:
I. Challenges of long-term love; couple distress; vulnerability cycles; neurobiology underlying cycles of blame & reactivity; facilitating choice rather than automatic reactivity; neurobiology of habits vs.change; culture & gender in couple distress. Lecture, discussion, case example.
(90 minutes)
II. Interventions for change in couple therapy; transforming the vulnerability cycle; power dynamics & conflict; techniques for emotion regulation & empathy; rupture & repair; addressing intergenerational wounds as well as sociocultural stressors in couple vulnerability cycles; role of the therapist; challenges of change. Lecture, discussion, case example.
(90 minutes)
This presentation is open to:
- Social Workers
- Professional Counselors
- Therapists
- Psychologists
- Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
- Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
- Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
- New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
- Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
- Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
- Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives
Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.
- NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0048.
- NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for Mental Health Counselor #MHC-0082
- NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0046
- CE You! is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland.
CE You! maintains responsibility for this program. - NEFESH International, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0116.
- The School of Sex Therapy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The School of Sex Therapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.